Slovak
public phones (
telefón) are pretty reliable, with instructions in English – despite the graphic description you may still encounter problems. The
dialling tone is a short pulse followed by a long one; the
ringing tone is long and regular;
engaged is short and rapid, but shouldn't be confused with the very rapid tone which indicates the line is being connected. The standard Slovak response is
prosím; and the word for extension is
linka. If you have any problems, dial
149 and ask for an English-speaking operator.
Fortunately, most phones are now card-only, which makes
international calls much easier. Phone cards (
telefonní karty), currently available in 75 and 150 units (prices vary), can be bought at post offices and most tobacconists and kiosks. Insert the card into the telephone, and the number of units remaining on the card appears on the phone's display. Alternatively, you can buy
pre-paid phone cards, which will give you much longer call time from any public or private phone; simply phone the toll-free access number and then punch in the PIN given on the card. As well as the aforementioned pre-paid phone cards, you can also get a
telephone charge card from your phone company back home.
You may still find it simpler to make international calls from one of the
telephone exchanges found in the major towns. Write down the town and telephone number, leave a deposit of around 200Sk, then wait for your name to be called out; bear in mind that international calls are extremely expensive at any time. Calls can be made from most hotels, but the surcharge is usually quite heavy. An easier option is a collect call, which will cost the recipient less than it would cost you. Dial
0131 and ask for an English speaker.